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http://todayshealthsite.com/why-black-mold-has-held-health-concerns.htmlWhy "Black Mold" Has Held Health Concerns!Todayshealthsite.com

Todays Health Article

February 9th, 2012

Today’s Black Mold has had many people concerned. The very sight of Black Mold makes you automatically believe that this mold has to be no good for you. Yet it seems to show up more often than not, especially if you live in the higher humidity climates. Moisture is one of the components needed. Once spotted, are you prepared to remove, or do you think it is just going away, when it gets drier. Does this Black Mold have any health concerns, and what actions should you take if you have now acquired this unwanted Black stuff?

What is mold?

Mold is a fungal growth that forms and spreads on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter. There are many different mold species that come in many different colors. Molds are sometimes referred to as mildew. They are found both indoors and outdoors in all climates, during all seasons of the year.  Indoors, molds need moisture to grow as well as a carbon source from building materials or building contents.

Understanding Black Mold

This “Black Mold” or more commonly branded as a toxic mold, in our terms, but we are really speaking about Stachybotrys chartarum (atra), a mold that has received much sheetrock media attention in recent years. It is a mold that is relatively slow growing, and normally shows up from a long stay of moisture or severe water damage. Through this continued soaking it finds that cellulose  materials such as; wood, paper products, and some carpet backings have become the target for these molds. This means that  those porcelains and ceramic materials are excluded even it still may be found around your shower window.

The Health Concerns

What you might not know is that the spores die quickly, but  they still remain allergenic and toxic after they are dead.  Continuous exposure to black mold toxins has been reported to cause cold or flu symptoms, sore throats, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, dermatitis, intermittent hair loss, generalized malaise, or other health-related problems.

Further health problems may be associated with excessive damp conditions that are generally prompt the black mold. This may include…

Allergies

Allergic responses like those to pollen or animal dander are the most common types of health problems related to mold. Typical symptoms may include sneezing; irritation of the nose, mouth, or throat; nasal stuffiness and runny nose; and red, itchy or watery eyes. Further inhaling or touching mold or mold spores can cause a person who was not previously allergic to mold to become allergic to mold.

For people with known allergies, molds can trigger asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, or cough. Irritation can also occur in non-allergenic (non-sensitized) people.

Hp

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a kind of lung inflammation that occurs in persons who develop immune system sensitization (similar to an allergy) to inhaled organic dust. It can be mistaken for pneumonia, but it does not get better with antibiotics for infection.Some persons have shortness of breath, cough, muscle aches, chills, fever, night sweats, and profound fatigue. These symptoms usually first appear 2 to 9 hours after exposure and last for 1 to 3 days.

Other affected persons have progressive shortness of breath and cough, as well as weight loss.
HP is not contagious and is due to a person’s immune system reaction to inhaled microorganisms, whether dead or alive.

Asthma

Asthma is a form of lung disease in which the airways develop inflammation and bronchospasm (reversible narrowing) in response to sensitizing or irritating exposure. Affected individuals can experience episodes of shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, and wheezing. These symptoms occur after exposure to nonspecific irritating substances in the air or after exposure to substances to which an individual is allergic.

For individuals with new-onset asthma or worsening of stable pre-existing asthma that is suspected to be related to the indoor environment, controlling or eliminating the sources of indoor contaminants, along with optimal medical treatment, may lead to symptoms of improvement or resolution.

Removal of Black Mold

Finding or understanding  the problem lies with too much moisture, and perhaps leaky pipes, cracks in basement walls or faulty roofs and windows. The next step is the mold removal. While this may seem like an easy task to some, it actually requires careful handling when coming into contact with this toxic substance.

First and foremost, a respiratory mask, eye protection and gloves should be used when attempting to remove mold.

There are many products than can be used to remove the substance. The most common of them is bleach. There are also many paints that are specifically designed to help reduce the growth of fungi.

Depending on the degree of the mold and how extensive, material may be need to remove, such as drywall, insulation, wood and carpeting.

In addition to mold removal products, the using a dehumidifier can control the humidity that  would other wise enhance the mold to grow.

However, if the problem is severe enough that mold removal products or a dehumidifier is simply not enough, a professional may be needed rather than trying to learn how to remove black mold yourself.

Today’s Health Comments

Today if you live in high humidity areas or have a moisture problem due to water leaks it just seems inevitable that black mold will become present. My experience with this is due not procrastinate and let it linger. Though it does not grow rampantly, it does grow and the spores will circulate through out the room and through out the house. It is not pleasant smelling and is another signal you have a problem. Understanding what is creating the problem, is the first task at hand, and then protecting your self is the next step. If you do not feel qualified there are professionals who do this for a living. In many cases, that may be your best choice. If it is just showing up around your window seals, you most likely could handle with bleach or mold remover spays. What ever the case is you need to take action so it does not become a health matter to you or your love ones.